Method and apparatus for bag closure and sealing

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for sealing a bag made of a polymeric material by applying heat activated layers on different portions of the bag, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material; after creasing the bag along a fold line, applying heat at a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer to adhesive states after the bag has been filled with contents; and folding the bag to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the heat activated first adhesive layer and the heat activated second adhesive layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/508,710, filed Jul 24, 2009 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/180,271, filed May 21, 2009 andfurther claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/139,994 filed Dec. 22, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to polymeric bags, and to a method and apparatusfor closure and sealing of polymeric bags, wherein the bag is sealableby a heat activated adhesive.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,646 discloses a container of thermally weldable,plastic material and a method of producing the container by weldingtogether multiple strips or sheets of plastic material to form acontainer having a welded closed, bottom part of the container. An opentop of the container is collapsed and flattened to provide a pinchclosed top.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,692 discloses a bag folded one or more times to forma primary closure. A flap seal extends across the folded configuration.A string underneath the flap seal is used to tear open the flap seal andpermit the bag to unfold. A zipper closure provides a secondaryenclosure.

US 2007/0292053 A1 discloses a bag of paper material and a paper tapecoated with a hot melt adhesive, wherein the tape is folded to adherethe hot melt adhesive against a front panel of the paper bag to providea glued paper-to-paper section. The tape substitutes for a stepped endof a multi-wall paper bag. The stepped end provides a sealing flapcoated with hot melt adhesive, wherein the sealing flap can be foldedover and sealed to the front panel of the paper bag.

The hot melt adhesive is reactivated by a stream of hot air coming froma hot air sealer equipment. The equipment is designed to blow hot aironly on the 1.5 inch width of pre-applied adhesive to render theadhesive to a heat activated adhesive state. Typical heat settings on ahot air sealer equipment for multi-wall paper bags often exceed 204.44°C. (400° F.). However, woven polypropylene bags will deform atapproximately 148.89° C. (300° F.). A need exists to modify theequipment to seal woven polymeric bags at a reduced heat activationtemperature. During the development of a pinch bottom closure for wovenpolymeric bags, it became clear that hot air sealer equipment thattypically seal multi-wall paper bags needed to be modified

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bag of polymeric material has a first panel and a second panel forminga pinch closed bag end therebetween, a first layer of heat activatedadhesive material on a portion of the first panel having a heatactivated first adhesive layer to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal witha heat activated second adhesive layer on a portion of the second panel,the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer having respectivemelt temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymericmaterial.

An embodiment of a bag is foldable on itself to form a folded firstpanel and to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal of the first adhesivelayer on the folded first panel.

An embodiment of a bag has the second adhesive layer on the foldablesealing flap portion.

An embodiment of a bag has a second panel longer than a first panelwherein the second layer of heat activated adhesive material is on aportion of the second panel that is longer than the first panel.

A method of making a bag includes, forming a pinch closed bag endbetween a first panel and a second panel, applying a heat activatedfirst adhesive layer on a portion of the first panel, applying a heatactivated second adhesive layer on a portion of the second panel,wherein heat activation temperatures of the first adhesive layer and thesecond adhesive layer are below the softening point temperature of thepolymeric material, and after filling the bag with contents activatingthe first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer by applying heatat a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymericmaterial, and pinch closing the end of the bag to urge the adhesivelayers into contact and to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal.

An embodiment of the method includes, folding the bag to fold the firstpanel on itself to urge the second adhesive layer into contact with thefirst adhesive layer on the first panel of the bag and form anadhesive-to-adhesive seal.

Another embodiment of the method includes, folding a flap portion of thesecond panel over the first panel to urge the second adhesive layer intocontact with the first adhesive layer on the first panel of the bag andform an adhesive-to-adhesive seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a bag having a pinchclosed end.

FIG. 1A is a side view of the bag in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a bag having a sealingflap portion.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the bag of FIG. 2 with the sealing flapportion closed and sealed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a bag having gussetedsides and a stepped configuration.

FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the sealing flap portion closedand sealed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of a hot air sealer apparatusand a woven polymeric bag conveyed from right to left as viewed in theFigure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a creasing apparatus of the hot air sealerapparatus of FIG. 4. Further, FIG. 5 discloses a folding section of thehot air sealer apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the hot air manifold of FIG. 7 in thefolding section of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a hot air manifold to be incorporated inthe folding section of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the a hot air manifold of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view of a back wall of the a hot air manifold of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross section along the line 10-10 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a pinch closing and cooling apparatus ofthe hot air sealer apparatus of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Bags to be used for bulk packaging of granular or finely groundmaterials, such as nutrients including, but not limited to, whole andground grains, seeds, dry pet food, chemical fertilizers, other bulkfood and non-food products, and growing plant treatments must be durableto resist material degradation, abrasion, puncture, contamination andleakage of contents, and must withstand a drop test while sealed andfilled with contents weighing up to about 50 pounds, and even up toabout 80 pounds. Moreover, such bags are typically disposed of afteruse, which requires an inexpensive and light-weight construction that isenvironmentally friendly, may be recyclable, and reduces waste in thesupply chain from production, use of the bag, to disposal in either arecycling stream or landfill. Currently, multi-walled paper and polymerlayer bags, consisting of multiple paper layers and layers of polymerfilm, are heavy, expensive to produce and ship, easy to tear andpuncture, and create waste in the supply chain. Multi-wall paper/polymerlayer bags, traditionally used to package bulk products, are notrecyclable and add significant amounts of materials to landfills. Thisinvention overcomes many of the significant drawbacks of multi-wallpaper/polymer layer bags, by offering a lighter weight bag that is lessexpensive, more durable and tear-resistant, resulting in significantlyreduced waste in the supply chain, and is 100% recyclable in a suitablerecycling stream. Moreover, this invention can function essentially inthe same way on existing bag filling and sealing equipment to perfect apinch-sealed bag filled with product.

A typical manufacturing production line provides apparatus to fill thebags with contents, and further provides apparatus to close the bag in asimple manner by pinch closing, and further provides equipment to sealthe pinch closed bag. Bags of traditional construction can be close bysewing or alternatively, sealed with a hot melt sealant instead ofsewing. Such bags of traditional construction include multi-wall bagsfabricated of paper and polymeric film laminates. The bag constructionmust allow quick filling of the bag with contents and thereafter mustallow closing and sealing the bag.

The traditional bag construction has layers of polymer laminated with apaper layer or layers. Sealing of the traditional bags after filling isaccomplished by re-melting a hot melt adhesive and/or meltable polymerlayer at an elevated temperature while the paper resists damage to thebag construction. The high flash point inherent to paper is relied uponto withstand the application of heat at an elevated temperature andthereby to protect the bag from damage due to the heat and temperature.Further, a thin polyethylene, PE, polymer coating on the paper surfacecan melt or soften together with the hot melt adhesive to adhere to thepaper and form a secure seal. Existing end-user production lineequipment applies hot air onto the bag to melt and activate the hot meltadhesive and/or meltable polymer layer, following the bag fillingoperation. The heat must be applied at a temperature that melts the hotmelt adhesive, and further, to at least partially melt the polymercoating on the paper surface, while relying on the paper to withstandthe heat and temperature, and to prevent bag weakening or burning duethe heat and temperature. However, a major drawback of the multi-wallpaper and polymer laminates is that they are composite materials notcapable of recycling as either paper or plastic as a single materialclassification. Further, the multi-wall laminates of the traditional bagare not compostable, and consequently remain in one piece in land fills.Further, the multi-wall laminates are heavy, and add unnecessaryshipping costs.

In an end-user's manufacturing production line, apparatus is provided tofill the bags with contents through an open end of the bag, followed byclosing and sealing the filled bag. Traditional production lines haveemployed stitching equipment to sew the bags shut. Alternativeproduction lines have heated air jets to apply heat at an elevatedtemperature to melt and activate pre-applied hot melt adhesives thathave been pre-applied to traditional bags of thick multiwall paper andpolymer film laminate construction. Thereafter, a closure mechanismcloses the bags in an advantageous manner simply by pinch closing theopen ends. The closure mechanism applies pressure on the bags to closeand hold the bags closed while the hot melt adhesive adheres to theclosed bag and until the adhesive cools and hardens.

The heat must be applied at a temperature that melts the hot meltadhesive, and further, which can melt portions of the polymer coating onthe paper surface, while relying on the paper to withstand the heat andtemperature, and prevent weakening or burning due the heat andtemperature. The traditional bags have a construction of thickmulti-wall paper and polymer film laminates. The one or more, thickpaper layers of the traditional bags withstand the heat applied atelevated temperatures without weakening the bag strength and withoutburning the paper. Further, a laminated film coating of polyethylene,PE, on the paper surface partially melts while in contact with themelted, hot melt adhesive to form a heat seal with the adhesive.

The embodiments of the invention provide a sustainable solution to thelong existing need for bags that replace traditional bags of multi-wallpaper and polymer laminates, and yet can withstand the application ofheat and temperature to seal the bags, which continue to be prevalent inexisting production equipment.

Accordingly, there has been a long existing need for a bag fabricated ofstructural components capable of being recycled or resulting in lesslandfill material compared to traditional bags, and capable of beingsealed by existing production equipment to avoid expensive replacementof existing production line equipment. Accordingly, to replace theexisting structural components of a laminated paper and polymer bag withan improved bag, the improved bag must be heat sealed by existingproduction equipment while withstanding the application of heat and/orpressure to melt the adhesive and seal the bag. Moreover, there has beena long existing need to eliminate a paper and polymer laminate as one ofthe structural components of the bag, which is incapable of recyclingand/or degradation in a land fill, and which add significantly higherweight and quantities of materials in a landfill.

Traditional multi-wall paper and polymer laminate bags each have about275 grams of paper and 50 grams of polypropylene polymer, and a carbonfootprint of about 11 as a measure of carbon emissions. Lighter weightbags of about 150 grams results from embodiments of the invention withfewer raw materials than those used in making the traditional bags, andresult in a substantially reduced carbon footprint of about 5.

According to embodiments of the invention, woven bags are fabricatedentirely of a recyclable polypropylene, and with structural componentsincluding a tubular woven (mesh) bag laminated inside of a non-porouspolymeric film of a single layer or of laminated layers. The bags arefabricated entirely of a recyclable polypropylene material that isrecyclable and may be compostable due to having resin additives such asmetallocene, and further that is free of recycled or contaminatedpolymers of unknown chemistry and unknown material mixtures. Moreover,the bags according to embodiments of the invention are less heavy andare more resistant to abrasion, tearing and puncture, and are reusablecompared with traditional multi-wall paper and polymer laminates thatare susceptible to abrasion and damage. The bags according toembodiments of the invention reduce waste due to shipping costs, damagedbag contents and increased shelf life of the contents.

The embodiments of the invention fulfill a long existing need forlighter weight, strong bags having structural components that eliminatetraditional non-recyclable paper-polymer laminates, and moreover, thatare durable for reuse, and are degradable by composting in a landfilland are recyclable as a single material. Moreover, the recyclable and/orcompostable bags include water soluble adhesive materials as structuralcomponents of the bags. Embodiments of the adhesive materials can bepre-applied while soluble in water, a nontoxic solvent. The adhesivematerials are applied onto opposed surfaces of the bags, followed bycuring by exposure to radiant or entrained heat, electron beam, EB,radiation, air or other curing medium and/or to evaporate the nontoxicdispersion for environmentally safe removal from the activatableadhesive components of the dispersion mixture that attain a non-adhesivehardened state, which is non-reactive to water or humidity, and isnontoxic by incidental contact with nutrients being filled in the bags.An opposite end of each of the bags has a pinch bottom or alternatively,a flat bottom configuration that is closed and sealed by sewing, or byan adhesive preferably a nontoxic adhesive or by plastic welding or by amaterial including, but not limited to polymeric, paper or nonwoventape. The bags are folded flat for shipment to another manufacturingfacility where the bags are filled with contents and closed and sealed.

The adhesive materials to seal the bag are activatable to a meltedadhesive state using existing production line equipment that apply heatat a temperature sufficiently below the softening point temperature Tgof the polymeric structural components of the bag, and to melt theadhesive materials to an adhesive state without damaging the otherstructural components of the bag.

While a traditional multi-wall paper/polymer layer bag can be sealedwith a re-melted hot melt adhesive, these hot melt adhesives are notsuitable for sealing polymeric bags, which typically are comprised ofone or more polymeric layers of recyclable polypropylene, or arecyclable and/or compostable polypropylene woven bag and an outerpolymeric layer or laminate of two or more polymeric layers ofrecyclable polypropylene or other polymer material, but not includingeither paper or an outer layer, which is not heat-sealable ontraditional bag manufacturing production equipment. The heat required toactivate a hot melt adhesive to an adhesive state would be detrimentalto a polymer woven bag and would destroy the structural integrity of thebag. A traditional multi-wall paper/polymer layer bag can be sealed witha hot melt adhesive, whereas on a polymeric bag the heat applied byexisting end-user equipment to reactivate or re-melt a hot melt adhesivewould further heat the polymer material of the bag above its softeningpoint T_(g) temperature causing the polymer material to soften, losetensile strength or even undergo plastic deformation. Accordingly,typical known hot melt adhesives are not suitable for forming a seal ona polymeric bag.

FIGS. 1 and 1A disclose an embodiment of a polymeric woven bag 100,including an outer layer 104 having a single polymeric film or alaminate of multiple polymeric films, and a polymeric woven bag providesan inner layer 102 (FIG. 3) laminated to or adhesively adhered to theouter layer 104. The outer layer 104 of the bag includes either a singlepolymeric film or a laminate of multiple polymeric films. For example, alaminate of the outer layer 104 includes a transparent film, a secondfilm and printed graphics on either the transparent film or the secondfilm, wherein the printed graphics are protected between the transparentfilm and the second film. The woven bag 100 has a first panel 106 and asecond panel 108 configured either as a continuous tube or as separatepieces joined together to form a bag.

The first panel 106 and the second panel 108 are joined along their sideedges along sides 110 of the bag 100. An end 122 of the bag is openthrough which contents can be introduced into the bag 100. The end 122is adapted to be pinch closed between end edges of the first panel 106and the second panel 108. The panels 106, 108 are joined along theirside edges and end edges by plastic welding of the edges or by anadhesive. Alternatively the bag 100 is tubular, and the panels 106, 108are defined by making folds or creases in the bag 100. An opposite end124 of the bag 100 is closed by being sewn, taped, glued or plasticwelded. Advantageously, the bag 100 is fabricated entirely ofcompostable polypropylene, PP.

The open end 122 is adapted for being closed and sealed after the bag100 has been filled with contents, as will now be discussed. Astructural component of the first panel 106 includes a first adhesivelayer 600 on a portion of the first panel 106. A structural component ofthe second panel 108 includes a second or further adhesive layer 602 ona portion of the second panel 108. According to an embodiment of theinvention, the adhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 areapplied simultaneously. According to another embodiment of theinvention, the adhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 canbe the same material applied simultaneously or, alternatively, appliedseparately.

FIGS. 2 and 2A disclose another embodiment of a polymeric woven bag 100having a similar construction as the embodiment of the bag 100 disclosedby FIGS. 1 and 1A, including the outer layer 104 having the singlepolymeric film or a laminate of polymeric films, the inner polymericwoven bag layer 102, the first panel 106, the second panel 108 and theopen end 122 of the bag that is pinch closed by closing the first panel106 and the second panel 108 against each other at their end edgesadjacent the open end 122. A portion of the woven bag layer 102 isdepicted with a woven appearance. Further, the polymeric woven bag has astepped, or step cut construction at the open end 122, wherein a portionof the first panel 106 is removed by severing, cutting or hot knife, andwherein the first panel 106 is made shorter than a longer portion 502 ofthe second panel 108 at the open end. The longer portion 502 provides afoldable flap portion 502 on the second panel 108. Further, the innerwoven layer 102 of the foldable flap portion 502 is exposed. The bag hasa structural component including the adhesive coated, foldable flapportion 502. The structural component of a first adhesive layer 600 ison the adhesive coated, foldable flap portion 502. The bag has a furtherstructural component of a second or further adhesive layer 602 on theadhesive coated first panel 106. The adhesive layers 600, 602 are airdried to a non-adhesive solid state to evaporate the dispersion mixturein air, by passage through a heated oven or directing fan blown heatedair onto the adhesive layers 600, 602, or by passage through dry air atlow relative humidity or by electron beam, EB, radiation. According toan embodiment of the invention, the adhesive layer 600 and the furtheradhesive layer 602 are applied simultaneously. According to anotherembodiment of the invention, the adhesive layer 600 and the furtheradhesive layer 602 can be the same material applied simultaneously or,alternatively, applied separately. The adhesive layers 600, 602 aredried to a stable, non-adhesive state impervious to water, water vaporand ambient temperatures.

An embodiment of the method of making the bag 100 of FIGS. 2 and 2Aincludes, forming a bag end 122 between a first panel 106 and a secondpanel 108, applying the heat activated adhesive layer 600 on a portionof the panel 106, applying another heat activated adhesive layer 602 ona portion of the panel 108, wherein heat activation temperatures of thefirst adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer 602 are below thesoftening point temperature of the polymeric materials of the bag 100,drying the adhesive layers 600, 602 to a stable non-adhesive stateimpervious to water or water vapor and ambient temperatures, wherein theend 122 of the bag 100 facilitates filling the bag 100 with contents,and thereafter the bag is closed and sealed by applying heat to activatean adhesive-to-adhesive seal between the adhesive layers 600, 602.

FIGS. 3 and 3A disclose another embodiment of the bag 100 including theouter layer 104 having the single polymeric film or a laminate ofpolymeric films, the inner polymeric woven bag layer 102, the firstpanel 106, the second panel 108 and the open end 122 of the bag that ispinch closed by closing the first panel 106 and the second panel 108against each other at their end edges adjacent the open end 122. Aportion of the woven bag layer 102 is depicted with a woven appearance.The polymeric woven bag has a stepped, or step cut construction at theopen end 122, wherein a portion of the first panel 106 is removed bysevering, cutting or hot knife, and wherein the first panel 106 is madeshorter than a longer portion 502 of the second panel 108 at the openend. The longer portion 502 provides a foldable flap portion 502 on thesecond panel 108. Further, the inner woven layer 102 of the foldableflap portion 502 is exposed. The first panel 106 and the second panel108 are joined along their side edges along sides 110 of the bag 100. Anend 122 of the bag is open through which contents can be introduced intothe bag 100. The end 122 is adapted to be pinch closed between end edgesof the first panel 106 and the second panel 108. The panels 106, 108 arejoined along their side edges and end edges by plastic welding of theedges or by an adhesive. Alternatively the bag 100 is tubular, and thepanels 106, 108 are defined by making folds or creases in the bag 100.An opposite end 124 of the bag 100 is closed by being sewn, taped, gluedor plastic welded. Advantageously, the bag 100 is fabricated entirely ofcompostable polypropylene, PP.

In FIGS. 3 and 3A, a structural component of the first panel 106includes a first adhesive layer 600 on a portion of the first panel 106.A structural component of the second panel 108 includes a second orfurther adhesive layer 602 on a portion of the second panel 108. Theadhesive layers 600, 602 are dried to a non-adhesive stable state bypassage through a heated oven or directing fan blown heated air onto theadhesive layers. According to an embodiment of the invention, theadhesive layer 600 and the adhesive layer 602 are appliedsimultaneously. According to another embodiment of the invention, theadhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 can be of the samematerial applied simultaneously on the bag 100 or, alternatively,applied separately.

Further, in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the bag 100 has sides 110 in the form ofside gussets 110. Longitudinal end folds or creases 112 join the sidegussets 110 join with the first panel 106. Longitudinal end folds orcreases 114 join the side gussets 110 with the second panel 108.Longitudinal folds or creases 116 are between foldable first portions118 and foldable second portions 120 of respective side gussets 110. Thestepped or step cut construction exposes the first portions 118 and thesecond portions 120 of respective side gussets 110.

The bag 100 is foldable along a fold line 206 extending across the bag100, wherein the fold line 206 extends across the first panel 106between a panel first section 202 adjacent to a panel second section204. The bag 100 is foldable without creasing, or alternatively isfoldable along a crease formed along the fold line 206 by a creasingapparatus. The first adhesive layer 600 is applied on the first section202 of the first panel 106, and on the second section 204 of the firstpanel 106, and on the exposed portions 118, 120 of the side gussets 110exposed by the stepped or step cut construction. The adhesive layers600, 602 are dried similarly as described above.

In FIG. 3A, the bag 100 is foldable along the fold line 206 to fold thefirst panel 106 on itself and to urge the adhesive layer 600 on thepanel first section 202 into contact with the further adhesive layer 600on the panel second section 204. The sealing flap portion 502 is foldedonto the panel second section 204 of the panel 106 to hold the bag 100in a folded configuration. An adhesive-to-adhesive seal is formed byapplying heat to activate the adhesive layers 600, 602 (FIG. 3) toadhesive states while in contact with each other.

According to embodiments of the invention, an adhesive material wasrequired to be developed to provide a first adhesive layer 600 of heatactivated adhesive material on a portion of the bag 100. The same oranother adhesive material was required to be developed to provide asecond adhesive layer 602 of heat activated adhesive material on anotherportion of the bag 100, wherein heat activation temperatures of thefirst adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer 602 are below thesoftening point temperature of the polymeric material of the bag 100,and wherein the adhesive layer 600 can be urged into contact with thefurther adhesive layer 602 and form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal toclose and seal the bag 100 at its end 122. Sealing was advantageously tobe performed by using existing end-user production line equipment forapplying controlled temperature heat to activate the adhesive layers600, 602 to adhesive states. A soluble adhesive was developed, whereinthe adhesive layer 600 and the adhesive layer 602 comprise an adhesivematerial soluble in an air dryable solvent. For example, the adhesivelayer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 comprise adhesive materialor materials soluble in water and air dried to dimensionally stable,non-adhesive states impervious to water or water vapor.

The adhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 compriserespective adhesive materials having a melt temperature below 300° F.,which is below the softening point temperature T_(g) of the polymericmaterials in the layers 102, 104 of the bag 100. Further, each of theadhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602 comprise adhesivematerials dried in air, at a temperature below the temperature requiredto activate to adhesive states.

Then, the embodiments of the bag 100 are prepared for storage andshipment. The end 122 of the bag 100 is pinch closed by closing thefirst panel 106 and the second panel 108 against each other at their endedges adjacent the open end 122. The end 122 of the bag 100 is foldedflat while remaining unsealed, and the bag 100 is folded flat forstorage and shipment to another manufacturing facility wherein the end122 of the bag 100 is opened, the bag 100 is unfolded and expanded fromthe flat configuration, and the bag is filled with contents. Then, theend 122 is closed and sealed. The adhesive layers 600, 602 are activatedto an adhesive state by applying heat at a heat activation temperaturebelow the heat activation temperatures of standard or traditional hotmelt adhesives or solvent based adhesives that can seal traditionalpaper and polymer laminated bags without damaging the paper layers, butwhich exceed the softening point temperature T_(g) of polymeric bags 100fabricated without paper layers. The standard or traditional hot meltadhesives cannot be combined with polypropylene bags 100 because thetemperatures needed to activate the adhesives are destructive to the PPmaterial structure.

Embodiments of the adhesive layers 600, 602 comprise, an aqueousdispersion of an adhesive material or a water based adhesive materialsapplied in liquid form and air dried or cured to a stable, non-adhesivestate when air dried to ambient temperature. Further embodiments of theadhesive layers 600, 602 each are an acrylic based waterborne adhesiveor a polyurethane dispersion adhesive, or a butyl, synthetic or naturalrubber adhesive. Other embodiments of the adhesive layers 600, 602include a polyurethane adhesive dispersed in water (POD). A preferredembodiment is made up of 35 percent solids. It is applied at 1.75grams/bag wet, assuming an 18″ wide bag, across the 3″ sealing area. Theviscosity is adjusted to correspond with the mass flow rate of thepreferred embodiments of an applicator apparatus and method, forexample, a slot die applicator applying a stripe of the adhesive layerseach of a viscosity of 800-1000 centipoises and a coating weightsufficient to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal that will withstand bagtests to be described herein.

An embodiment of the adhesive layers 600, 602 for pinch sealing of PPwoven bags 100 is comprised of synthetic polymer or co-polymer emulsionsthat are water- or solvent-based, including without limitationpolyurethane dispersion adhesives, vinyls, acrylics, or other polymer orco-polymer emulsions, or may include natural or synthetic rubber-basedadhesives, which are applied wet solubilized and then dried to ahardened state impervious to water and water vapor. Known applicationapparatus to use on a production line includes, but is not limited tospray applicators, wheels, or a slot die applicators. The adhesivelayers 600, 602 form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal when activated toadhesive states by heat applied by a hot air jet or other thermal sourceat an elevated temperature up to about and less than about 300 degreesF. which is below the melting point temperature of the polymeric,polyolefin films and/or PP woven materials of the bag panels 106, 108and the bag gussets 110 when present. Such adhesive layers 600, 602provide adequate bond and adhesion to polyolefin films and/or PP wovenmaterials, are FDA approved for non-direct food contact, and provideadequate sheer, peel and bond strengths to meet bag testing parametersto be described herein.

Two adhesive layers 600, 602 in particular are an acrylic basedwaterborne adhesive and a polyurethane dispersion adhesive. Each has anadhesive state activation temperature below 300° F., and below thesoftening point temperature T_(g) of the polymeric layers 102, 104 madeof compostable polypropylene, for example.

An embodiment of the adhesive layers 600, 602 includes: a polyurethaneadhesive dispersion of 35% solids in water, with a viscosity adjustedfor application to the bags, for example, a viscosity of approximatelyor about 800-1000 centipoises for application by a slot die applicator,or less than about 800 centipoises for application by a sprayapplicator. The viscosity is varied or adjusted to obtain an optimummass flow rate and attain a desired coating weight as need forapplication by a specific form of applicator. Adhesive 1623-63A, isavailable commercially from Bostik, Inc. Wauwatosa, Wis. 53226, USA,wherein the adhesives per se form no part of the present inventionseparate from being a structural component of the bags disclosed herein.The embodiments of adhesive layers 660, 602 as a structural component ofthe bags includes 1.75 grams adhesive material per bag applied wet,solubilized in water, assuming an 18 inch wide bag and a 3 inches widestripe of adhesive on the bag, which is equivalent to 0.6 grams per bagdry or about 10.6 lbs per ream dry weight coating. Once the adhesivelayers 600, 602 are applied, they must pass under a drying system toevaporate the water and dry the adhesive layers to a stable stateimpervious to water, water vapor and ambient temperatures.

The bag 100 includes heat sealable material or materials on a low melttemperature, woven and solid polyolefin films. The suitable adhesivematerial or materials are applied to the bag surfaces as a solution oremulsion, and are air dried at temperatures below their heat activationtemperatures to evaporate the volatiles of solvent or water andsolidify. The solid adhesive materials are not moisture or pressuresensitive to activate to an adhesive state, and thereby avoidcontamination of the bag contents during bag filling.

One suitable adhesive material for heat sealing polyolefin films of thebag 100 comprises a water based emulsion of triethylamine adhesivecommercially available as AQUAGRIP® 19566F, manufactured by Bostik,Inc., 11320 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, Wis. 53226 USA. The waterbased emulsion comprises triethylamine Cas #121-44-8 Percent 0.5-1.5which can be absorbed through the skin.

Before use consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for MaterialName: L9566F prepared and distributed pursuant to the Federal HazardCommunication Standard: 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200. The MSDS discloses thefollowing:

-   -   1. US ACGIH Threshold limit values: Time weighted average (TWA)        mg/m³ & ppm: TRIMETHYLAMINE 1 ppm.;    -   2. US OSHA Table Z-1-A (TWA): TRIMETHYLAMINE 40 mg/m³ & 10 ppm.;    -   3. Typical Physical Properties: Target solids 35%; pH 8.5;        Density 8.6 lb/gal; Odor: negligible; Color: Off White; Physical        state Liquid; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)<0.2 lb/gal.;    -   4. Flashpoint>200° F. (>93.3° C.). Protect from freezing and        direct sunlight and extremes of temperature;    -   5. HMIS Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 1, Physical Hazard 0,        Personal Protection    -   6. SARA 311/312 Hazard Categories: Immediate Hazard Yes; Delayed        Hazard No; Fire Hazard No; Pressure Hazard No; Reactivity Hazard        No;    -   7. Hazardous polymerization does not occur;    -   8. Stable under normal conditions;    -   9. Hazardous combustion products may include carbon monoxide,        carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon fragments;    -   10. Triethylamine Cas #121-44-8 can be absorbed through the        skin;

11. WHIMS labeling: D2B—Other Toxic Effects—TOXIC.

Adhesive layers 600, 602 are applied on one or both bag panels 106, 108across an area of width ranging from ½ inch to 6 inches across theentire or part of a bag panel 106, 108. The bag 100 is filled withcontents through the open end 122 of the bag 100 where one or bothpanels 106, 108 have heat activated adhesive layers 600, 602 appliedacross the width of the open end 122 of the bag 100, wherein the firstpanel 106 and the second panel 108 are left unsealed to form an open bagend 122 through which bag contents are filled. Following a fillingprocess, the panels forming an adhesive-to-adhesive seal, layer contact;the open bag end is then processed through a convention hot air or heatsealing apparatus, and the application of heat is at a temperature belowthe softening point temperature of the polymeric material to re-melt thefirst layer of adhesive material and the second layer of adhesivematerial preferably before making contact with each other, oralternatively, while in contact with each other.

After filling an embodiment of the bag 100 with contents on amanufacturing production line, the bag 100 is passed through a pinchsealing unit, not shown, that blows hot air onto the adhesive layers600, 602 to activate the adhesive layers 600, 602 to adhesive states.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A, with the adhesive layers 600, 602heat activated to adhesive states, the panels 106, 108 are held togetheror pinched preferably until the adhesive layers 600, 602 form anadherent adhesive-to-adhesive seal, and further preferably until theadhesive layers 600, 602 harden and stabilize dimensionally and becomeimpervious to water, water vapor and ambient temperatures.

Similarly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2A, the longer flap portion502 and the shorter first panel 106 are held together or pinchedpreferably until the adhesive layers 600, 602 form an adherentadhesive-to-adhesive seal.

Similarly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 3A, with the adhesive layers600, 602 heat activated to adhesive states, the bag 100 is folded alongthe fold line 206, the bag is foldable to fold the portion 202 of thefirst panel 106 on itself, and wherein the flap portion 502 is foldabletoward the first panel 106 to hold the bag 100 folded by contact betweenthe adhesive layer 600 and the further adhesive layer 602. The longerflap portion 502 and the shorter first panel 106 are held together orpinched and the panels 106, 108 are held together or pinched preferablyuntil the adhesive layers 600, 602 form an adherent adhesive-to-adhesiveseal, and further preferably until the adhesive layers 600, 602 hardenand stabilize dimensionally and become impervious to water, water vaporand ambient temperatures. Further, in FIG. 3 the adhesive layer 600, oralternately, the adhesive layer 602, is applied on the sections 118, 120of the gusseted sides 110 to fold along the fold line 206 and form anadhesive-to-adhesive seal when the sections 118, 120 of the gussetedsides 110 are closed and held or pinched against the section 204 of thefirst panel 106 to close and prevent leakage along the gusseted sides110.

An embodiment of structural components of a polymeric woven bag 100includes a polymeric outer layer 104, an inner polymeric woven bag layer102 laminated to or adhesively adhered to the outer layer 104, a firstpanel 106 and a second panel 108 and an open end 122 of the bag 100 tobe pinched closed between the first panel 106 and the second panel 108after filling the bag 100 with contents, a structural component of aportion of the first panel 106 having a heat activated first adhesivelayer 600 on a portion of the first panel to form an adhesive-toadhesive seal by contact with a heat activated adhesive layer 660 on astructural component of a portion 108 or 502 of the second panel 108,wherein the first adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer 602have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening pointtemperature of the polymeric material, and wherein the first adhesivelayer 660 and the second adhesive layer 602 are dried and are waterimpervious, and wherein after filling the bag 100 with contents throughthe end 122 the first adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer602 are activatable to adhesive states by an application of heat at atemperature below the softening point temperature of the polymericmaterials of the bag 100 to form the adhesive-to-adhesive seal.

Another embodiment of the structural components include a foldable flapportion 502 having a portion of the second adhesive layer 602 thereon toform the adhesive-to-adhesive seal.

The structural components must pass the following tests without tearingthe first panel 106 or the second panel 106 or an embodiment of thesealing flap 502, and without opening the adhesive-to-adhesive sealbetween the first adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer 602.

Bag Closure Test Requirements

7 Point Drop Test

-   -   The bag is filled to its capacity with the product in which the        bag is produced to hold. In most cases, we test with 50 lbs. of        dry pet (dog/cat) food.    -   From a height of 4 feet, the bag is dropped squarely first on        the face or front panel of the bag, then the back panel. The        drops are repeated for each side of the bag, followed by each        corner of the sealed end being evaluated. The last drop is a        square drop onto the sealed end being test.    -   The seal area is checked for signs of failure after each drop.        There is reason for concern if the seal begins to open at any        point during the drop test, but the seal is not considered        failed until product spills out.

Creep Test

-   -   The bag being tested is filled with 20 lbs. of sand.    -   The bag is suspended, or hung, inside an environmental chamber        with the weight of the sand against the seal that is being        evaluated for resisting creep (inelastic deformation).    -   The seal must pass under two conditions in the chamber:    -   Zero degrees F. for 72 hrs.    -   140 degrees F.@70% relative humidity for 72 hrs. (and/or other        test conditions can be added as required for suitability of bag        use in the pet food market, human food market and other product        markets.)

Peel and Sheer Data

-   -   T-peel and sheer testing of sealed end are conducted on tensile        tester.    -   Both peel and sheer tests are done over a temperature range of        −20 degrees F. to +140 degrees F. (and/or other test conditions        can be added as required for suitability of bag use in the pet        food market, human food market and other product markets.)    -   This data is collected and reviewed to see what the effective        working temperature range of the adhesive is.

Grease Resistance

-   -   A variety of high fat content dry pet foods will be used to fill        bags and the seal will be evaluated under simulation of        distribution (i.e. vibration and compression).    -   This will show whether or not the aggressive oils and seasonings        in the food will attack the adhesive causing a seal failure.).    -   The seal must pass under two conditions in the test chamber:        -   1. 20 lbs. of pet food with a minimum of 20% fat content            hung or suspend in an environmental chamber with the weight            of the product against the sealed end being evaluated;        -   2, Suspension for at minimum, 72 hours at 140° F. at 70%            relative humidity or other period adequate to test            shelf-life and requirements suitable for the pet food            market.

Development of a pinch bottom closure on woven polymeric (polypropylene)bags discovered that the polypropylene materials that the bag isconstructed of could not withstand the heat required to re-activate ahot melt via typical hot air sealers. Theoretically, hot melts could beused but would need much longer sealing equipment in order to 1) run atmuch lower air temperatures, and 2) allow the bag more time to sealunder the reduced heat.

To seal a multi-wall paper bag, its flap portion or sealing flap iscoated with a 1.5 inch width of hot melt adhesive. After filling the bagwith contents, the adhesive is heated to an adhesive state and thesealing flap is folded to adhere the adhesive against an adjacent 1.5inch width of the bag. A typical hot air sealer equipment (apparatus)heats the hot melt adhesive to its melt temperature, while the papermaterials of the bag withstand the hot melt temperature without heatdamage. A pinch closure of the sealer equipment folds the sealing flapand pinches the bag to seal the sealing flap against the bag while theadhesive cures and dries. However, a typical hot air sealer equipmentproduces hot melt temperatures that would cause heat damage to wovenpolymeric (polypropylene) bags disclosed herein.

An embodiment of the invention provides a woven polymeric(polypropylene) bag 100 with a pinch closure without requiring newcapital equipment for sealing the bags. The adhesives 600, 602 disclosedherein for sealing woven polymeric (polypropylene) bags 100 willreactivate to an adhesive state at much lower temperatures than highermelt temperatures required to melt a hot melt adhesive, and will do sowithin the current dwell times provided by today's typical hot airsealer equipment. A problem was that the lower melt temperatureadhesives disclosed herein provide an adhesive-to-adhesive seal whilethe sealing flap 502 is folded against the panel section 204. Theadhesive-to-adhesive seal requires adhesive coatings 600, 602 over awide area across the polymeric bags 100. More specifically, a full 3inch width of adhesive coatings 600, 602 is needed, which provides aproblem for the typical hot air sealer equipment. The typical hot airsealer equipment is capable of heating a 1.5 inch width of hot meltadhesive on a sealing flap of a multi-wall paper bag. However, hot airdistribution is needed over a 3 inch wide area across the wovenpolymeric bag 100. For this reason, the hot air sealer equipment ismodified with an air manifold to distribute hot air to where it isneeded over a 3 inch wide area across the woven polymeric bag 100. Thismodification provides a capability of the same hot air sealer equipmentto seal both multi-wall paper bags and woven polymeric bags 100 on thesame equipment.

FIG. 4 discloses a portion of a pinch sealing unit 400 or hot air sealerapparatus 400 and a woven polymeric bag 100 conveyed from right to leftas viewed in the Figure. The apparatus 400 has a stationary guide plate402 against which the bag 100 is supported. The stationary guide plate402 has a vertical orientation.

FIG. 5 discloses a creasing apparatus 500 of the hot air sealerapparatus 400. The bag 100 is conveyed past a rotatable creasing wheel504. A circumference of the creasing wheel 504 rolls over the bag 100 topinch close the bag end 122 while the bag end 122 is conveyed betweenthe creasing wheel 504 and the guide plate 402. The creasing wheel 504has a projecting circumferential rim flange 506 to press against thefold line 206, disclosed by FIG. 3, of the bag 100, and to crease thebag 100 along its fold line 206. The creased bag 100 folds along thefold line 206, which pivots the flap portion 502 and the section 202 ofthe panel 106 along the fold line 206.

In FIG. 5, after passing the creasing wheel, the flap portion 502 andthe section 202 of the panel 106 enters a folding apparatus 600 of thehot air sealer apparatus 400. For the bag 100 in FIG. 2, the flapportion 502 first passes under a diagonal flared leading edge 604 of afolding blade 606. For the bag 100 in FIG. 3, the flap portion 502 andthe section 202 of the panel 106 first passes under a diagonal flaredleading edge 604 of a folding blade 606. The folding blade 606 is formedlengthwise along a bent stationary blade, such that the bent stationaryblade extends behind the flap portion 502 and the section 202 of thepanel 106. The flared leading edge 604 guides the flap portion 502 andthe section 202 of the panel 106 under the folding blade 606. Withreference to FIG. 6, the flap portion 502 and the section 202 of thepanel 106 continues to pass under and against the folding blade 606. Thefolding blade 606 extends lengthwise rearward of its flared leading edge604 and bends downward progressively of its length until it is parallelto a top wall 702, disclosed by FIG. 6, of a hot air manifold 700.

An adhesive layer 602, disclosed by FIGS. 2 and 3, coats the flapportion 502 and the section 202 of the panel 106. The adhesive layer 602is heated to an adhesive state by hot air blown through a top wall 702of a hot air manifold 700, disclosed by FIG. 7. Further, the bag 100 hasan adhesive layer 600, disclosed by FIGS. 2 and 3. The adhesive layer600 is heated by hot air blown through a back wall 704 of the hot airchamber 716. For example, the adhesive layer 602 on the flap portion 502and the section 202 of the panel 106 of the bag 100 is approximately 1.5inches in width and extends across the bag 100. Similarly, the adhesivelayer 602 is approximately 1.5 inches in width and extends across thebag 100.

FIG. 7 discloses the hot air manifold 700 of the hot air sealerapparatus 400 having a hollow hot air chamber 716, disclosed by FIGS. 8,9 and 10. The hot air chamber 716 is provided by the top wall 702, theback wall 704, a bottom wall 706 in FIG. 9, a front wall 710 in FIG. 8and end walls 712, 714, for example, made by stamping and formingindividual pieces and welding or brazing the pieces together to form thehot air chamber 716. An inlet 718 to the hot air chamber 716 is providedthrough the front wall 710. Hot air under pressure is supplied throughthe inlet 718 to pressurize the hollow chamber 716.

FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose the top wall 702 is perforated with adistribution of air passages 720 blowing hot air onto the adhesive layer602 on the flap portion 502 and on the adhesive layer 600 on the section202 of the panel 106. The back wall 704 is perforated with adistribution of air passages 722 blowing hot air onto the adhesive layer600 on the panel section 204 of the bag 100. The back wall 704 has aflared leading edge 724 to guide the panel section 204 past the leadingedge 724. FIG. 9 discloses the top wall 702 is recessed below the topedge margin 726 to define a recess 730 along the top wall 702 to spacethe adhesive layers 600, 602 away from the top wall 702 and preventcontact therebetween while the adhesive layer 602 on the flap portion502 and the adhesive layer 600 on the bag section 202 is heated to anadhesive state by the hot air blown under pressure from the hot airchamber 716 through the air passages 720 through the top wall 702.

FIG. 6 discloses the hot air manifold 700 in the hot air sealerapparatus 400. Further, FIG. 6 discloses a tapered trailing end 732 ofthe hot air chamber 716. The hot air chamber 716 tapers inward at 732 aalong the front wall 710, disclosed by FIGS. 8 and 11, toward thetrailing end 732. The hot air chamber 716 tapers downward at 732 b,disclosed by FIGS. 9 and 11, along the top wall 702 toward the trailingend 732. In FIG. 11, hot air is supplied to the hot air chamber 116 byway of a hot air conduit 720 connected to the inlet 718.

In FIG. 6, the bag 100 having the flap portion 502 and the panel section202 is conveyed from right to left over the top wall 702 of the hot airchamber 716, while hot air under pressure is blown from the hot airchamber 16 through the passages 720 through the top wall 702 and ontothe adhesive layer 602 on the flap portion 502 and onto the adhesivelayer 600 on the panel section 202. The adhesive layers 600, 602 areheated to adhesive states by the hot air, and thereafter pass a trailingend 732 of the hot air chamber 716.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the passages 722 are addedto the back wall 704 such that hot air under pressure is blown from thehot air chamber 116 through the passages 722 through the back wall 704and onto the adhesive layer 600 disclosed by FIGS. 2 and 3, on the panelsection 204 disclosed by FIG. 3. The adhesive layer 600 is heated to anadhesive state by the hot air, and thereafter passes a trailing end 732of the hot air chamber 716. Further, the back wall 704, disclosed byFIG. 10, has lengthwise outwardly projecting edge margins 726, 728formed by bending. The projecting edge margins 726, 728 form alengthwise cavity 730 disclosed by FIG. 10, wherein the projecting edgemargins 726, 728 space the adhesive layer 600 on the panel section 204away from the back wall 704 to prevent contact therebetween while theadhesive layer 600 is heated to an adhesive state by the hot air.

The hot air sealer apparatus 400 is adapted for pinch closing andsealing a multi-wall paper bag, not shown, having a hot melt adhesive.The hot air manifold 700 is further capable of heating the hot meltadhesive to a hot melt temperature by adjusting the temperature at whichthe hot air is heated in the hot air chamber 716. The multi-wall paperbag can withstand the hot melt temperature. However, the bag 100 ofpolymeric material cannot withstand the hot melt temperature.Accordingly, the temperature at which the hot air is heated in the hotair chamber 116 must be adjusted below the melt temperatures orsoftening point temperatures of polymeric materials used in making thebag 100. Further, a multi-wall paper bag, not shown, which has a hotmelt adhesive layer of about 1.5 inches in width across the bag can beheated by hot air blown through the top wall 702. However, themulti-wall paper bag does not have additional adhesive to form anadhesive-to-adhesive seal. For this reason, hot air blown through theback wall 704 of the hot air chamber 716 impinges harmlessly against themulti-wall paper bag, wherein the paper material of the multi-wall paperbag withstands the hot melt temperature of the hot air.

FIG. 6 discloses the folding blade 606 biases against the bag 100 tohold the flap portion 502 and the section 202 of the panel 106 downwardtoward the top wall 702 as the flap portion 502 and the section 202 ofthe panel 106 are conveyed from right to left. Further, the foldingblade 606 has a trailing end 606 a that extends beyond the trailing end732 of the hot air chamber 716. The folding blade 606 progressivelybends lengthwise toward its trailing end 606 a until its trailing end606 a is essentially vertical beyond the trailing end 732 of the hot airchamber 716. The progressively bending folding blade 606 biases the flapportion 502 and the section 202 of the panel 106 progressively downwardto follow the tapered top wall 732 b of the hot air chamber 716. Beyondthe trailing end 732 of the hot air chamber 716, the trailing end 606 aof folding blade 606 biases the flap portion 502 and the section 202 ofthe panel 106 essentially vertical. Further, the trailing end 606 a ofthe folding blade 606 biases the flap portion 502 to fold, as disclosedin FIGS. 2 and 3, along the fold line 206, FIG. 3, while the adhesivelayer 600 on the panel section 202 has been heated to an adhesive stateand becomes biased to engage against the heated adhesive layer 600,disclosed by FIGS. 2 and 3, on the panel section 204 of the bag 100,which has been heated to an adhesive state. The folded panel section 202and folded flap portion 502 emerge from the trailing end 606 a of thefolding blade 606 while the bag 100 continues to be conveyed from rightto left.

FIG. 11 discloses a pinch closing apparatus 1200 of the hot air sealerapparatus 400. A pair of roller driven belt drives 1202, 1204 pinch onopposite sides of the folded bag 100 to pinch close the bag 100, andfurther, to clamp the second panel 108 of the bag 100 against the firstpanel 106 of the bag and form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contactbetween the first adhesive layer 600 and the second adhesive layer 602.The belt drives 1202, 1202 apply clamping pressure transferred to theadhesive layers 600 while they become cooled to ambient and formsolidified, sealed states, to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal.

In FIG. 11, the roller driven belt drives 1202, 1204 can overlap thetrailing end 606 a of the folding blade 606 to draw the folded bag 100out from the folding blade 606. The roller driven belt drives 1202, 1204apply continuous clamping pressure on the bag 100 as they convey the bag100 away from the trailing end 606 a of the folding blade 606. Afterleaving the belt drives 1202, 1204, the bag 100 can be clamped tocontinue with clamping pressure applied on the opposite sides of thefolded bag 100, along the folded section 202, to apply clamping pressureagainst the adhesive layers 600, 602 to adhere them to each other whilethey become cooled to ambient and form solidified, sealed states.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,”“below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof(e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenienceof description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments,coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” referto a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to oneanother either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, aswell as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unlessexpressly described otherwise.

Patents and patent applications referred to herein are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties. Although the inventionhas been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limitedthereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, toinclude other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may bemade by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope andrange of equivalents of the invention.

1. A method of pinch closing and sealing a bag made of polymericmaterial, comprising: the bag having a heat activated first adhesivelayer applied on a first panel of the bag; the bag having a heatactivated second adhesive layer applied on a second panel of the bagincluding a flap portion, wherein the first adhesive layer and thesecond adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures belowthe softening point temperature of the polymeric material; pinch closingan end of the bag by closing the first panel and the second panelagainst each other adjacent the end of the bag, followed by creasing thebag along a fold line, wherein the fold line is spaced from the end ofthe bag; applying heat to the first adhesive layer and the secondadhesive layer, by passing the bag through a pinch sealing unit thatblows hot air onto the first adhesive layer and the second adhesivelayer at a temperature below the softening point temperature of thepolymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer to its adhesivestate and to activate the second adhesive layer to its adhesive state;and folding the bag along the fold line to form an adhesive-to adhesiveseal by contact between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesivelayer.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: folding the bag along thefold line wherein the fold line extends between a first section of thefirst panel and a second section of the first panel, and the firstadhesive layer is on both the first section of the first panel and thesecond section of the first panel to form an adhesive-to-adhesive sealby contact between a portion of the first adhesive layer on the firstsection of the first panel and another portion of the first adhesivelayer on the second section of the first panel.
 3. The method of claim1, comprising: folding the flap portion of the second panel of the bagover the first panel to urge the second adhesive layer on the flapportion into contact with the first adhesive layer on the first panel.4. The method of claim 1, comprising: folding the flap portion of thesecond panel and a first section of the first panel along the fold line,wherein the fold line is between the first section of the first paneland a second section of the first panel, and wherein the first adhesivelayer is on both the first section of the first panel and the secondsection of the first panel to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal bycontact between a portion of the first adhesive layer on the firstsection of the first panel and another portion of the first adhesivelayer on the second section of the first panel.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the adhesive layers each extend in an area across the bag andhave an area width ranging from ½ inch to 6 inches.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer extends in an area across thebag and has an area width of essentially 1.5 inches, and the secondadhesive layer extends in an area across the bag and has an area widthof essentially 1.5 inches.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising:applying the heat activated second adhesive layer on a portion of thesecond panel, wherein the portion of the second panel comprises asealing the flap portion of the bag; and folding the flap portion of thebag to form the adhesive-to adhesive seal.
 8. The method of claim 1,comprising: applying the first adhesive layer and the second adhesivelayer simultaneously, wherein the adhesive layer and the furtheradhesive layer are the same material.
 9. The method of claim 1comprising: conveying the bag continuously along a hot air manifold ofthe pinch sealing unit that blows hot air onto the first adhesive layerand the second adhesive layer, while heating the first adhesive layer toits adhesive state, and while heating the second adhesive layer to itsadhesive state.
 10. A method of pinch closing and sealing a bag made ofpolymeric material, comprising: the bag having a heat activated firstadhesive layer applied on a first section of a first panel of the bag;the bag having a heat activated second adhesive layer applied on astepped construction of the bag, the stepped construction of the bagcomprising a second section of the first panel, portions of side gussetsof the bag and a portion of the second panel including a flap portion,wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer haverespective heat activation temperatures below the softening pointtemperature of the polymeric material; pinch closing an open end of thebag by closing the first panel and the second panel against each otheradjacent the open end; creasing the bag along a fold line, wherein thefold line is spaced from the end of the bag; applying heat by passingthe bag through a pinch sealing unit that blows hot air onto the firstadhesive layer and the second adhesive layer at a temperature below thesoftening point temperature of the polymeric material, by using a hotair manifold of the pinch sealing unit, the hot air manifold having ahot air chamber supplied with hot air under pressure, and a top wall onthe hot air chamber provided with a distribution of first air passagesfor blowing hot air under pressure to heat the second adhesive layer toits adhesive state, and a back wall on the hot air chamber provided witha distribution of second air passages blowing hot air under pressure toheat the first adhesive layer to its adhesive state: and folding the bagalong the fold line to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contactbetween the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, comprising: heating the first adhesive layer to itsadhesive state while having a dimension up to 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) inwidth on the first section of the first panel, and heating the secondadhesive layer to its adhesive state while having a dimension up to 3.81cm (1.5 inches) in width on the stepped construction of the bag.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, comprising: biasing the stepped construction of thebag toward the top wall on the hot air chamber while heating the secondadhesive layer on the stepped construction of the bag to its adhesivestate.
 13. The method of claim 10, comprising: spacing the secondadhesive layer from the top wall on the hot air chamber to preventcontact therebetween while heating the second adhesive layer to itsadhesive state.
 14. The method of claim 10, comprising: spacing thefirst adhesive layer from the back wall on the hot air chamber toprevent contact therebetween while heating the first adhesive layer toits adhesive state.
 15. The method of claim 10, comprising: folding thebag along the fold line, wherein the second adhesive layer on thestepped construction of the panel forms an adhesive-to-adhesive sealwith the first adhesive layer on the first section of the first panelbelow the fold line.
 16. A method of pinch closing and sealing a bagmade of polymeric material, comprising: the bag having a heat activatedfirst adhesive layer applied on a first panel of the bag; the bag havinga heat activated second adhesive layer applied on a second panel of thebag including a flap portion, wherein the first adhesive layer and thesecond adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures belowthe softening point temperature of the polymeric material; pinch closingan end of the bag by closing the first panel and the second panelagainst each other adjacent the end of the bag, followed by creasing thebag along a fold line, wherein the fold line is spaced from the end ofthe bag; applying heat to the first adhesive layer and the secondadhesive layer at a temperature below the softening point temperature ofthe polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer to itsadhesive state, and to activate the second adhesive layer to itsadhesive state; and folding the bag along the fold line to form anadhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the first adhesive layerand the second adhesive layer.
 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:folding the bag along the fold line wherein the fold line extendsbetween a first section of the first panel and a second section of thefirst panel, and the first adhesive layer is on both the first sectionof the first panel and the second section of the first panel to form anadhesive-to-adhesive seal by contact between a portion of the firstadhesive layer on the first section of the first panel and anotherportion of the first adhesive layer on the second section of the firstpanel.
 18. The method of claim 16, comprising: folding the flap portionof the second panel of the bag over the first panel to urge the secondadhesive layer on the flap portion into contact with the first adhesivelayer on the first panel.
 19. The method of claim 16, comprising:folding the flap portion of the second panel and a first section of thefirst panel along the fold line, wherein the fold line is between thefirst section of the first panel and a second section of the firstpanel, and wherein the first adhesive layer is on both the first sectionof the first panel and the second section of the first panel to form anadhesive-to-adhesive seal by contact between a portion of the firstadhesive layer on the first section of the first panel and anotherportion of the first adhesive layer on the second section of the firstpanel.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the adhesive layers eachextend in an area across the bag and have an area width ranging from ½inch to 6 inches.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first adhesivelayer extends in an area across the bag and has an area width ofessentially 1.5 inches, and the second adhesive layer extends in an areaacross the bag and has an area width of essentially 1.5 inches.
 22. Themethod of claim 16, comprising: applying the heat activated secondadhesive layer on a portion of the second panel, wherein the portion ofthe second panel comprises the flap portion of the bag; and folding theflap portion of the bag to form the adhesive-to adhesive seal.
 23. Themethod of claim 16, comprising: applying the first adhesive layer andthe second adhesive layer simultaneously, wherein the first adhesivelayer and the second adhesive layer comprise the same material.
 24. Themethod of claim 16, comprising: conveying the bag continuously along ahot air manifold of a pinch sealing unit that blows hot air onto thefirst adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer, while heating thefirst adhesive layer to its adhesive state, and while heating the secondadhesive layer to its adhesive state.